Model year guide

2003 Toyota mr2

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Toyota mr2 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2003 Toyota mr2 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Toyota mr2 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints31
Combined25 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Toyota mr2 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2003 Toyota mr2.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Toyota mr2 common problems

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

2003 Toyota mr2 MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,700
EPA size classTwo Seaters
TransmissionManual 5-spd or Manual 6-spd
Passenger volume46 cu ft
Cargo volume2 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Toyota mr2 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,500
Fuel only$13,500
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Toyota mr2 trims & engines on record

Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 138 hp

2003 Toyota mr2 vehicles on record

2003 Toyota mr2 2003 Toyota mr2JTDFR320230057514

Other Toyota mr2 model years

2005 2001 1992 1991

2003 Toyota mr2 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Toyota mr2 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2003 Toyota mr2. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota mr2?

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota mr2 get?

The 2003 Toyota mr2 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.